Rep. Melissa Sargent to reintroduce cannabis legalization bill Monday

Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) has announced on her Facebook page that she is holding a press conference at the Wisconsin State Capitol at 10:30 am Monday, April 13, to introduce LRB-0188, the updated version of legislation she introduced in the 2013-2014 session, AB810.

Here is the full text of Rep. Sargent’s announcement:

“Friends and neighbors,

You supported me when I first introduced my bill to fully legalize marijuana in Wisconsin last session.

I wanted you to be the first to know that I will be re-introducing this bill on Monday morning at 10:30 a.m.

You and I both know that the most dangerous thing about marijuana is that it remains illegal. Legalization would enhance personal freedoms, increase financial opportunity, and lead to safer communities.

Adults choosing to use marijuana in the safety of their own home is a matter of personal liberty and freedom. If an individual action does not harm yourself, your neighbors, or your community; it is no business of the government. Likewise, Wisconsinites with ailments that could be alleviated through marijuana should have the freedom to use inexpensive and effective medicine that works for them.

As Wisconsin deals with devastating financial shortfalls, we must look at all available options for generating revenue. While politicians demonize the use of marijuana, what is truly criminal is the money Wisconsin is losing by not legalizing marijuana.

It is a travesty that we are putting millions of taxpayer dollars into victimless crimes when we should be doing the exact opposite: creating revenue and letting our police officers focus on keeping peace in our neighborhoods.

I hope that you will support my continued efforts to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin. Please contact your legislators and tell them that you support LRB-0188.

With your dedication, passion, and support; we can make this a reality here in Wisconsin. Thank you for all that you continue to do as we continue on toward this goal.